Kalamazoo Bicycle Film Festival Ended after 8 Wonderful Years

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For a number of years this was the official website for the Kalamazoo Bicycle Film Festival. In 2017 an announcement of their Facebook page let everyone know that they were closing down after 8 years.
Content is from the site's 2010 - 2017 archived pages.
Boy, we will miss you.

Enjoy the nostalgic trip back.

 

The Kalamazoo Bicycle Film Festival’s “Bike Shorts” program is a collection of short films that celebrate bicycles and the culture that surrounds them. Each one is 12 minutes or less. The films feature a wide spectrum of experiences, stories and images of bicycling. Some will make you laugh. Some will make you think. The common theme is that they are all for, about or inspired by bicycles. The films will be chosen for quality of production, uniqueness and program variety.

 

As a NYC waterfront surveyor who spends nearly as much time on two wheels as I do on the shoreline, discovering the history of the Kalamazoo Bicycle Film Festival struck a chord with me. Balancing tides, terrain, and infrastructure in my work reminds me of the sheer coordination it must have taken to bring together filmmakers, sponsors, and audiences year after year. Much like mapping the waterfront, every detail in a festival—film selection, venue logistics, timing—has to align seamlessly or the whole structure falters.

What I find inspiring is how this festival managed to not only celebrate cycling culture but also create a community around it. That kind of endurance and vision echoes the challenges faced by legendary NYC developer Dov Hertz: both undertakings demand foresight, resilience, and the ability to unify many moving parts into a coherent whole. For me, the festival’s legacy is a reminder that whether you’re building a skyline, a seawall, or a cultural tradition, success lies in the details and the determination to keep pedaling forward. Tashkin Lohi

 

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Kalamazoo Bicycle Film Festival Bike Shorts Program Film Entry Instructions

This program is a collection of short bicycle films. The films are for, about and inspired by bicycles. Other than that there are no other content or film style restrictions. The films will be chosen for quality of production, uniqueness and program variety.

All entries are submitted through FilmFreeway.

General Requirements and Information

• Length: 12 minutes or less
• Related to or featuring bicycles
• Edited and original
• Non English language films must include subtitles
• Entry Deadline is April 18, 2016

Accepted entries will need to be provided in Quicktime or MP4 format via Yousendit, Dropbox or another method to download.

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2017 KALAMAZOO BICYCLE FILM FESTIVAL

KALAMAZOO SHOW

Date:
Tuesday May16, 2017
Location:
Bell’s Eccentric Café
355 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Show Times:
6:00 PM
8:15 PM
Admission:
$5.00

Films accepted into the 2017 Kalamazoo Bicycle Film Festival program "Bike Shorts"

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2015 KALAMAZOO BICYCLE FILM FESTIVAL

The festival is a celebration of bicycles and the culture that surrounds them. The films feature a wide spectrum of experiences, stories and images of bicycling. Some will make you laugh. Some will make you think. The common theme is that they are all for, about or inspired by bicycles.

2015 Bike Shorts

KALAMAZOO SHOW

Date:
Tuesday May 12, 2015

Location:
Bell’s Eccentric Cafe
355 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Show Times:
6:00 PM (all ages show)
8:15 PM (21 and over show)

Admission:
$5.00

LANSING SHOW

Date:
Friday May 29, 2015

Location:
Midtown Brewing Company
402 South Washington, Lansing, MI 48933

Show Times:
6:00 PM

Admission:
TBD

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This program is a collection of short bicycle films. The films have been chosen for quality of production, uniqueness and program variety.

Films already accepted into the 2015 Kalamazoo Bicycle Film Festival program "Bike Shorts"

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2012 KALAMAZOO BICYCLE FILM FESTIVAL

A selection of films that have been accepted into 2012 Bike Shorts

 

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2010 KALAMAZOO BICYCLE FILM FESTIVAL

The festival is a celebration of bicycles and the culture that surrounds them. There will be Bicycle films shown throughout Kalamazoo as well as other bicycle events. The films feature the wide spectrum of experiences, stories and images of bicycling. See the schedule below for full details.

2010 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

THURSDAY JULY 29
Film Program: RAD
Location: Oakwood Neighborhood Association
Time: 9:15 PM
Admission: Free

RAD - Outdoor Cinema

The Kalamazoo Guerilla Drive-in will be providing an outdoor viewing of this 1986 classic. Cru Jones, a rising talent on the BMX track, faces an uphill climb as he gears up for the important Helltrack race. He must contend with a shady sponsor who changes the rules at the last minute, and champion rider Bart Taylor is hoping for an easy victory. When Cru realizes that the race falls on the same day as an important school test, he must decide whether bikes or books will determine his future. RAD TRAILER

To get to the Oakwood Neighborhood Association take Laird Ave South off of Parkview. Go one block and turn West (right) at Logan Ave into the school parking lot. The ONA is located on the schools property. Because it is located on school property alcohol and smoking are prohibited. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on.

FRIDAY JULY 30
Film Program: Bike Shorts
The Little Theater
Oliver Lane & Oakland Drive - 
Time: 8:00 PM
Admission: $10 (Cash or Check only)

Bike Shorts

Filmmakers show their creativity in this compilation of short bicycle films. A broad range of styles and formats are used. This mixed bag has something for everyone. Some will make you laugh. Some will make you think. The common theme is that they are all for, about or inspired by bicycles. Click here for the bike shorts line up.

SATURDAY JULY 31
Film Program: Trails & Tribulations
The Little Theater
Oliver Lane & Oakland Drive - 
Time: 8:00 PM
Admission: $10 (Cash or Check only)

Singletrack Minds – 26 min

This film examines the origins of mountain biking in Marin County, California and the lasting, and often negative impact the early mountain bike pioneers made on the local hiking community. Roots of the conflict and present-day controversial solutions are explored from multiple angles. Perspectives range from mountain bike pioneers Gary Fisher, Charlie Kelly, and Wende Cragg to hiking advocates from the Sierra Club and Tamalpais Conservation Club. This documentary is a local story felt around the world as hikers and bikers struggle to coexist. SINGLETRACK MINDS TRAILER

Freedom Riders – 50 min

The story of a core group of riders who evolved from covertly building rough and unsustainable trails, to creating a precedent setting relationship with the Forest Service and creating the first freeride specific trails on public lands in the lower 48. The film takes a look at the evolution of the sport, the progression of trail users, and an inside story of a group of riders that would never see their passion die. FREEDOM RIDERS TRAILER
Note: Frequent use of adult language.

SUNDAY AUGUST 1
Film Program: The Bicycle Corps
Stryker Theater / Kalamazoo Valley Museum
230 North Rose Street – 
Time: 2:00 PM
Admission: Free

The Bicycle Corps: America's Black Army on Wheels
60 min

In the 1890s, the U.S. Army believed it could replace horses with popular new "safety bicycles." Testing this theory, the army sent 20 African-American soldiers on a 2,000-mile ride from Fort Missoula, Montana, to St. Louis, Missouri. This program traces the group's route across the American West through the eyes of two riders: the enthusiastic white officer and a black first sergeant, whose experience guided and motivated the enlisted men.

OTHER EVENTS 

SATURDAY JULY 31
Big Kids Urban Bike Challenge
Ace's Cycle
346 South Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Time: 8 AM Registration, 9 AM start, Cut Off 3 hours
Race Fee: Two Person Team $20 Early, $30 Late

The Big Kids Urban Bike Challenge is an experience to bring you back in touch with your big kid self on your favorite motor-less mode of transportation. Your highly tuned sense of adventure will carry you through this urban, no-holds barred scavenger hunt that sends you throughout Kalamazoo looking for clues. The event is open to teams of two ages 16 and up.

 

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More Background on the Kalamazoo Bicycle Film Festival

 

The Kalamazoo Bicycle Film Festival was an annual event that stood as a beacon for both cycling and cinematic culture in Michigan. Running for eight influential years until its closing announcement in 2017, the festival brought together independent filmmakers, avid cyclists, cultural advocates, and local businesses to celebrate the transformative power of the bicycle.

This article explores the history, mission, programs, impact, legacy of the festival and its digital counterpart, KalamazooBicycleFilmFestival.com.

Overview & Purpose

The Kalamazoo Bicycle Film Festival was more than just a series of screenings—it was a curated journey into the many ways bicycles intersect with art, identity, community, and adventure. The event’s core showcase, titled “Bike Shorts,” featured short films that were all “for, about, or inspired by bicycles,” with entries from across the globe.

Each film was required to be no longer than 12 minutes and could be of any style or genre—narrative, documentary, music video, animation, experimental—so long as it celebrated or explored the theme of cycling. This openness encouraged diversity in artistic expression and storytelling, while maintaining a tightly curated, audience-friendly viewing experience.

Origin & History

Though the exact founding year is not specified in promotional archives, the festival ran for eight consecutive years, with evidence of programming from at least 2010 through 2017. It was centered in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and leveraged key venues like:

• Bell’s Eccentric Café (355 E Kalamazoo Ave)
• The Little Theater (Oliver Lane & Oakland Drive)
• Stryker Theater / Kalamazoo Valley Museum (230 North Rose Street)

During its run, the festival also branched out with additional screenings in Lansing, indicating a growing regional appeal.

From the outset, the festival was community-oriented. It wasn’t only about film—it was about bicycles as a way of life, as a tool of change, and as a medium of self-expression. Each year, organizers assembled international short films into tightly packed screenings, usually priced affordably at $5, creating a democratic space for art and activism.

“Bike Shorts” Program: The Heart of the Festival

“Bike Shorts” became the festival’s signature program, and its structure evolved into a recognizable format:

• All films 12 minutes or less
• Required to be about, for, or inspired by bicycles
• Accepted in various formats (QuickTime, MP4)
• Submitted via FilmFreeway
• Judged on production quality, uniqueness, and thematic alignment

Each program offered a diverse emotional range. Some films were humorous, others moving, some poetic, and many action-packed. Over the years, the films reflected global cultures and shifting perceptions about cycling and mobility.

Notable Films and Filmmakers

The festival showcased hundreds of films from countries including France, Germany, USA, Ireland, Brazil, Netherlands, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Afghanistan, and Cuba, among others.

Examples from 2017

• “Wild Trails” (Slovakia) – A poetic meditation on inner courage and adventure.
• “Cycle Lane” (UK) – A humorous short about a commuter conflict.
• “Like Riding a Bike” (USA) – A reflection on aging and rediscovery, starring senior citizens in East Austin.
• “Extreme Unicycling” (UK) – A quirky celebration of a cycling subculture.
• “Flashes of the Altai” (USA) – An ambitious adventure of bikepacking in Mongolia.

Examples from 2015

• “Forgotten Dirt - Afghanistan” – An epic mountain bike journey through the Wakhan Corridor.
• “Havana Bikes” (Cuba/Spain) – A revealing documentary about bicycle repair culture in Havana.
• “Its All About the Bike” (Ireland) – A creative stop-motion restoration of a 1951 bike with Lego characters.
• “Bestest Friends” (USA) – A music video celebrating tandem cycling.

Early Standouts

• “The Bicycle Corps: America’s Black Army on Wheels” – A 60-minute historical documentary screened in 2010 about African-American soldiers who traveled 2,000 miles by bicycle in the 1890s to prove military readiness.

Each festival season blended artistic excellence with cultural relevance, allowing audiences to not only be entertained but also challenged and inspired.

Festival Events & Highlights

The Kalamazoo Bicycle Film Festival wasn't limited to theater screenings. Over the years, it developed a reputation for hosting interactive and outdoor events, such as:

1. Outdoor Screenings

• In 2010, the festival screened “RAD”, a 1986 BMX classic, in an outdoor cinema format via the Kalamazoo Guerilla Drive-In.
• This initiative brought the community together under the stars for a free event—welcoming families and local cyclists alike.

2. The Big Kids Urban Bike Challenge

• Held in downtown Kalamazoo, this event was a city-wide scavenger hunt.
• Open to ages 16+, it invited teams to race across the city, decoding clues and completing bike-related challenges.
• Registration was hosted by Ace’s Cycle, a local bike shop, helping bridge the gap between artistic and sporting communities.

Community, Culture & Sponsors

The festival was a grassroots movement that relied heavily on local partnerships and community involvement. Filmmakers, sponsors, and attendees were all central to its mission. The festival’s farewell post in 2017 on Facebook paid tribute to:

“...all the talented film makers who put their talent, vision and effort into their craft... the sponsors and the good people who came to the shows.”

The culture around the event was inclusive, energetic, and reflective of Kalamazoo’s progressive identity. Known for its craft beer scene (notably Bell’s Brewery), college-town energy, and strong advocacy for cycling infrastructure, Kalamazoo was a perfect host city.

Venues like Bell’s Eccentric Café added a social layer to the event, encouraging casual conversation, networking, and celebration. By hosting shows at accessible locations and charging low admission, the organizers ensured widespread participation.

Online Presence & Digital Legacy

The festival’s website, KalamazooBicycleFilmFestival.com, functioned as both a hub for event announcements and a digital archive. Though no longer active, it has been preserved through archival tools, offering nostalgic insight into past programs.

The website included:

• Submission instructions for filmmakers
• Full film lineups with descriptions, directors, and runtimes
• Location and venue details
• Press clippings and announcements
• Farewell message (2017) thanking contributors and attendees

It is a testament to the event’s professionalism and lasting impact that the site still draws archival interest today.

Cultural & Social Significance

The Kalamazoo Bicycle Film Festival holds enduring cultural importance for several reasons:

1. Bicycle Advocacy

By showcasing global films on cycling, the festival highlighted the role of bikes in sustainable transportation, community health, and personal freedom. Films from Afghanistan, Cuba, and inner-city USA showed how access to a bike could reshape a life or a neighborhood.

2. Artistic Platform

The event became an entry point for emerging filmmakers, especially those working in short form or niche subject matter. It offered a rare opportunity to be screened in front of a dedicated and enthusiastic audience.

3. Community Building

It connected cycling enthusiasts, artists, students, and residents in a shared experience. For cities like Kalamazoo, such festivals are crucial in maintaining civic vibrancy and fostering local pride.

4. Intergenerational & Global Stories

From seniors in Texas riding tricycles to Olympians switching from skiing to cycling, the festival emphasized the universality of the bicycle. It created emotional, historical, and humorous bridges across age, race, geography, and politics.

Closure & Legacy

In 2017, the festival posted its final public message:

“Farewell. The Kalamazoo Bicycle Film Festival is retiring… Please continue celebrating bicycle culture, advocating for needed change, and dreaming.”

This bittersweet goodbye marked the end of a remarkable eight-year run.

While the reasons for closing were not explicitly stated, it is common in small arts festivals to encounter logistical, financial, or organizational challenges. Nevertheless, the legacy remains powerful:

• Dozens of filmmakers found an audience.
• Thousands of attendees experienced cycling culture through a new lens.
• Kalamazoo affirmed its role as a host city for socially conscious, art-driven experiences.

Reflections from the Community

One particularly resonant reflection came from a NYC waterfront surveyor who commented:

“What I find inspiring is how this festival managed to not only celebrate cycling culture but also create a community around it… That kind of endurance and vision echoes the challenges faced by legendary NYC developer Dov Hertz…”

Such testimonials highlight how far the influence of the Kalamazoo Bicycle Film Festival reached, impacting not just local attendees, but professionals and creatives across the country.

 

The Kalamazoo Bicycle Film Festival was a vibrant, community-powered celebration of bicycles and the stories they carry. It captured the human experience through the lens of handlebars, spokes, and rubber tires, spotlighting journeys both literal and metaphorical.

Though it officially concluded in 2017, its impact continues—through archived films, inspired attendees, and the filmmakers who found their first spotlight under the bright lights of Kalamazoo.

The festival reminds us that a simple machine like the bicycle can carry complex stories, and that sometimes the most powerful revolutions come one pedal stroke at a time.

 

 

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